Projects in categories: Documentary

Synopsis

In the Shadow of the Moon is an intimate epic, which vividly communicates the daring and the danger, the pride and the passion, of an extraordinary era in history. Between 1968 and 1972, the world watched in awe each time an American spacecraft voyaged to the Moon. Only 12 men walked upon its surface and they remain the only human beings to have stood on another world.

In the Shadow of the Moon brings together for the first, and very possibly the last time, surviving crew members from every single Apollo mission which flew to the Moon, and allows them to tell their story in their own words. They emerge as surprisingly eloquent, witty, emotional and very human.

Synopsis

Filmmaker Julien Temple chronicles the transformation of a self-described 'mouthy little git', born John Mellor, into an antiestablishment icon known to the world as Joe Strummer. In his latest documentary, Temple uncovers the myth behind the front man of the seminal punk band the Clash.

Through previously unearthed interviews with Strummer himself and recollections of those who knew him best, Temple reveals a complex man who used his music as a bullhorn for his conscience, as well as a means to educate others about the injustices of the world. The film includes live concert footage spanning Strummer's career and tapes of his BBC radio program, all of which provide a fitting soundtrack to his distinctive and storied existence.
 

Synopsis

In 1976 four young men from ruined post-industrial Manchester, England went to see the Sex Pistols. They formed a band called Joy Division. It was 'a right laugh'. Three years later it was a matter of art, life and death. Thirty years later they are enjoying a larger audience and more influence than ever before with a profound legacy that resonates fiercely in today’s heavily careerist music industry and over-mediated pop culture. Featuring the unprecedented participation of the surviving band members, this documentary tells their story of beauty and loss in the city.

Synopsis

Starting at dawn and finishing at dawn we witness Bradford at work, at play and at odds with itself. The sounds and sights of the city can tell us more than what life is like in Yorkshire today, they point to the greater global challenge of what happens when east meets west and neither wishes to lose its cultural identity.

Synopsis

Man On Wire is the dramatic retelling of Philippe Petit's daring, and illegal, scheme to walk the high-wire between New York's twin towers - the artistic crime of the 20th century.

Synopsis

Ronny Long has been filming himself since he was nine-years-old, staging cryptozoological comedies, wrestling matches and horror movies in his suburban backyard in Texas. Now 19-years-old, he reflects on the phantasmagoric childhood he obsessively documented.

Synopsis

A group of unlikely travellers make an overland journey to the Moroccan Sahara, and forge friendships through the experience. The feature includes some of the most beautiful evolving landscapes, and acts as a backdrop to this subtle documentary about travel, friendship and understanding. Told in a light-hearted, subjective fashion, the feature explores the perceptions and expectations of a young middle class white man on his first trip to Africa, using a first person - present tense narrative.

Synopsis

A look at the history of one-time Gestapo commander Klaus Barbie, infamously known as 'The Butcher of Lyon'. Klaus was a Nazi torturer, American spy and tool of repressive right-wing regimes. His story is symbolic of the real relationship that Western governments had with fascism, and reflects the world as it is today - and the politicians that inhabit it - in a very different way.

Synopsis

O Zelador, a feature-length documentary, explores the life of Mestre Russo. A remarkable individual who lives with his family in Baixada Fluminense, a former plantation about a one hour bus ride from the centre of Rio de Janeiro. It is a desperately poor area of dirt tracks, roaming animals, open sewers and ramshackle houses.

At an early age Mestre Russo discovered the value of Capoeira. The music, self-defence and philosophy of this Afro-Brazilian cultural manifestation helped him endure a life fraught with danger and hardship.

The film follows Mestre Russo, his wife and sons and his loyal group of students who claim that Russo's love, knowledge and guidance have been an inspiration to them. He is a father-figure to each of them. They, in turn, have provided him with the extended family which he sought.
Russo holds a meeting every Sunday, a 'Roda' (literally circle) in Caxias, where people come and perform Capoeira in the street. This Roda endured the oppressive regime during the dictatorship and has survived for 35 years up until today.

The film includes interviews with Russo, his family, students, other Masters as well as journalists, academics and a Candomble priest. These interviews, together with archive footage and photographs chart the turbulent history of Capoeira and sets it in its cultural, social and political context told through the life of this remarkable man.

Synopsis

Our Story, Our Voice is an explosive, unapologetic and unflinching look into the new global crisis and its impact upon the oppressed world.

In an age where multi-national companies, states sponsor terrorism, democracy is imposed, and monoculturalism functions as unwritten law, Our Story, Our Voice is an essential film of resistance.
 
From the multi-award-winning producers of 500 Years Later, Our Story, Our Voice transforms what were once isolated whispers into unified, worldwide screams.

Synopsis

Jim is a witty writer and brilliant comic book artist. He is the creator of Captain Penumbra, the superhero from the lunar realm where light and darkness merge. After a thousand letters Gwynne is finally going to meet him in person.

But leaving her home in Ireland Gwynne approaches Jim slowly, visually savouring the America that he has written about and asking complete strangers what image of Jim they form by reading the letters he has sent her. Gradually she circles closer to Jim's personal realm, meeting his family and visiting his childhood haunts.

When Gwynne reaches Arizona Jim's current whereabouts are finally revealed. Passing the gates of the State Penitentiary she is about to witness the disturbing reality of Jim's present existence. She finally encounters the convicted killer she has befriended awaiting his fate on Death Row, in the half light between life and death.

Synopsis

Three years ago Peter found a new born lamb abandoned in a ditch. 'Ben' is now a full-grown sheep with ambitions to move into Peter’s house with him. Peter however has other ideas. 'Peter and Ben' tells the touching and quirky story of how two - drop outs find friendship in a hostile world.